Messi to miss derby match with ankle injury

Published Dec. 10, 2009 6:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's Spanish league match against Espanyol on Saturday after the Golden Ball winner sustained an ankle injury that could jeopardize his playing at the upcoming Club World Cup.

Messi scored the winner in a 2-1 victory against Dynamo Kiev in the 86th minute on Wednesday before being helped off the field with a right ankle injury picked up in the closing moments from an opponent's challenge.

Barcelona said Thursday that the Argentina forward would miss the crosstown derby match, the club's final domestic game before it travels to the Club World Cup.

Barcelona said Messi's availability for the international club competition would depend on his progress.

The Spanish and European champions hold a five-point advantage over Real Madrid in the domestic standings.

Messi has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.